Chudzinski Interviews; Is Carmichael Candidate?

As expected, Chargers assistant Rob Chudzinski interviewed for the Bears’ vacant offensive coordinator position with coach Lovie Smith at Halas Hall on Thursday.

Chudzinski was the Browns’ offensive coordinator for two seasons before returning to the Chargers as the assistant head coach/tight ends before the 2009 campaign. The Browns went 10-6 during his first season in charge of the offense and the unit ranked eighth in points and yards. San Diego’s offense ranked fifth in passing yards this past season and was fourth in points scored.

Another intriguing candidate that might pique the Bears’ interest is Saints’ offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. The 39-year-old has only been an offensive coordinator for one season but what a season it has been. The Saints finished first in the league in points scored (31.9) and first in total yards (403.8) while ranking fourth in passing and sixth in rushing while winning the NFC South and advancing to Sunday’s NFC Championship game against the Vikings.

Saints coach Sean Payton is heavily involved with the Saints’ offense, of course, but Carmichael has coached Drew Brees for the past three years. His title last season was quarterbacks’ coach/passing game coordinator, which is interesting because it’s conceivable that the Bears could put Tice in charge of the running game and someone like Carmichael in charge of the passing game.

Nobody is whispering this guy’s name in my ear, just so you know. But the Saints have had such a dynamic offense and Brees so much individual success that it seemed worthwhile to look for potential candidates on Payton’s staff.